Kane holds nerve in tense penalty finale

Coleraine celebrate after scoring to make it 1-0 in extra time against Crusaders.

Published:22:57Wednesday 16 November 2016

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Lyndon Kane fired Coleraine into the semi finals of the League Cup as his penalty finally saw off Crusaders at The Showgrounds.

The teenager, who missed a late spot kick at Seaview two weeks ago, showed nerves of steel to roll in the winning spot kick and send the Bannsiders into the last four.

Jordan Allan put the hosts in front in the first period of extra time before Jack Smith levelled things up on 112 minutes to send the game into the dreaded penalty shoot out.

The hosts made a bright start to the game with Brad Lyons, Jamie McGonigle and Ian Parkhill all peppering the target inside the opening ten minutes.

McGonigle tried his luck again on 26 minutes after creating a bit of space for himself on the edge of the box, his shot drifted wide of the far post though.

The Bannsiders were getting closer and they rattled the woodwork on 33 minutes. Parkhill’s lofted centre was met by the head of McGonigle, but the young striker’s effort cannoned off the bar with Dougherty beaten.

Right at the death in normal time Lyons weaved past several defenders in the Crues box, but pulled his shot across the face of goal. McLaughlin was then unable to direct Kane’s dangerous cross into the goal.

The deadlock was finally broken on 104 minutes as Allan slid in McCauley’s low cross from close range.

But credit to the visitors as they drew level on 112 minutes, Jack Smith turning and firing home from 12 yards.

There was more drama to come in the last minute of extra time as Coleraine were awarded a penalty as Dale McCreery was adjudged to have handled McGonigle’s shot.

McGonigle left the fray for Neil McCafferty who unbelievably fired wide with his first touch.

So it was on to penalties and Smith missed for the visitors before McLaughlin saw his spot kick saved.

It was into sudden death when Kane kept his cool after Jallow had hit the crossbar.